PITTSBURGH — As running backs go, Kirk Nieuwenhuis is one heck of a baseball player. The former football star at Denver Christian returns to the Mile High City for the first time since running wild in the 2005 Class 2A state title game with another breathtaking memory.

The center fielder delivered a walkoff single Thursday in the Mets’ ninth-inning rally off Marlins closer Heath Bell, who recorded only two outs on 46 pitches. Nieuwenhuis is batting .333 after going 3-for-5. Even when center fielder Andres Torres (strained calf) returns, Nieuwenhuis will stick with the Mets given his strong play and Jason Bay’s injury. Nieuwenhuis, who will likely to switch to a corner outfield spot, is expected to start Saturday against Rockies right-hander Jeremy Guthrie.

Forever Young. Eric Young Jr. has the made the most of limited playing time. After playing his way onto the roster, Young has provided a late spark with his frenetic base running. Young has stolen three bases in three attempts and scored five runs in 15 plate appearances.

“I am just trying to make something happen,” he said.

His ability to tag up on a shallow flyball to right field Wednesday left teammates shaking their heads.

“He’s really fast. He’s unbelievable,” Rockies starter Juan Nicasio said. “That ball seemed like it was just behind second base, and he was still able to get there.”

Footnotes. Left-handed reliever Josh Outman is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. That leaves the team with a 30-day window before activating the pitcher, though it would likely come sooner if he performs well. … Guthrie is looking for his first win at Coors Field, where he has posted a 10.45 ERA in two starts and a .383 average against. The Rockies went 1-2 against the Mets at Coors Field last season.

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

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